Cast
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Tom Berenger
as Rock Reilly
William McNamara
as Eddie Devane
Erika Eleniak
as Toni Johnson
Crispin Glover
as Howard Finster
Matthew Glave
as Rory Blanes
Grand L. Bush
as Vance Dooly
Dean Stockwell
as Salesman Stig
Bitty Schram
as Flo, Waitress
Gary Busey
as Sergeant Vince Banger
Seymour Cassel
as Master Chief Bogg
Frederic Forrest
as Duane, Mechanic
Marilu Henner
as Katie, Waitress
Dennis Hopper
as Doggie
Scott Marlowe
as Fast Food Clown
Jim Grimshaw
as Chief Yarboro
Crew
Director
- Dennis Hopper
Producer
- James G. Robinson
Reviews
Wuchak
**_Thoroughly entertaining road movie with Tom Berenger and Erika Eleniak_**
A young sailor involved in inventory scams (William McNamara) is assigned SP duty to escort a prisoner from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, back to his base in Charleston, South Carolina. The catch is that the Chief Petty Officer in charge is a curmudgeon (Berenger) and the prisoner is a beautiful woman (Eleniak), not to mention this all happens on his last day before being discharged. Crispin Glover, Gary Busey, Dean Stockwell, Bitty Schram and Marilu Henner have bit parts.
“Chasers” (1994) is the last of seven movies directed by Dennis Hopper and, like his most popular flick “Easy Rider” (1969), it’s a road movie, except that this one has a sense of humor, which is mostly low-key and droll. I can’t believe it’s so obscure because this is easily one of the best road flicks ever made.
Comparable films include “The Last Detail” (1973), “Three for the Road” (1987) and “The Lucky Ones” (2007). This is just as entertaining or better than any of ’em. There’s a great story element that’s reminiscent of the soon-to-come “Pulp Fiction” (1994).
The story captivates right from the get-go and never goes wrong. It has everything: drama, comedy, human interest, romance, action, redemption and beautiful woman. Speaking of the latter, Hopper knows how to shoot women without getting overly sleazy (no pun intended), although there is one steamy sex scene with some nudity (just a heads up for those who might be offended).
The movie runs 1 hour, 41 minutes, and was shot in South Carolina as follows: Patriots Point in Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Mount Pleasant and Yemassee; with some stuff done in North Carolina, such as Wilmington.
GRADE: A
Dec 1, 2022
Thematic Analysis
Chasers represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Dennis Hopper brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1994, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Chasers took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $15.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 64 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1994, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Chasers shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Wing or the Thigh?, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Chasers subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Little Miss Sunshine and Vida íntima de un seductor cínico explore similar territory, Chasers stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 22, 1994
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- Budget: $15,000,000
- Revenue: $1,596,687
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